Connected Nation Named a Finalist for National Award
Bowling Green, Ky. (February 4, 2019) – PR News has named Connected Nation a finalist in its Nonprofit Awards. The organization is among three finalists chosen in the brand/re-branding category. Connected Nation launched its new look and tagline “Everyone Belongs” in 2018 to more effectively demonstrate its commitment to creating an all-inclusive and diverse digital world.
“Being an innovative, impactful nonprofit means also being willing to examine what an organization can do better to serve those it seeks to help,” said Tom Ferree, Chairman and CEO, Connected Nation. “That’s why we decided to rethink how we engaged others in our mission to bring the benefits of broadband and its related technologies to all people. Through a deliberate effort, our team really pressured our “WHY” statement, then spent nearly a year in developing the new look and approach before implementing the comprehensive strategy; we wanted this to shine from the inside. At the core of our rebranding effort was always one thing — how do we raise more awareness about the families and communities who are being left behind?”
“Without access, you can’t apply for a job. Your children can’t do their homework assignments. You can’t access your health records, start a new company, or connect with loved ones. At Connected Nation, we are constantly looking to become more effective in bringing access to all people and their communities,” Ferree added.
Joining the team in March 2017, Connected Nation’s Communications Manager, Jessica Denson, spent months going through branding research for CN, meeting with employees and leadership, evaluating collateral materials and the needs of the nonprofit’s programs. She used this time to develop a new approach for the nonprofit. Denson then worked with designer Clay Pullen, of Considered Brands, to develop the final look and concept — launching the new brand and website (connectednation.org) in February 2018.
“We wanted to develop a look that reflected Connected Nation’s commitment to help all people through its positive, proactive work,” said Pullen. “We went through several versions but the one we ultimately decided on really shares Connected Nation’s mission in a visual way. It demonstrates how we are all better when we work together.”
The new logo, seen above in the masthead, demonstrates that our country is “greater than” when people work together and help others. The equal sign depicted in red demonstrates the belief that all people deserve to be part of a digital world, that all are equal — and digital equity matters to Connected Nation as an organization.
“We believe everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. That’s our mantra,” said Denson. “Our staff will continue to work tirelessly and evolve as needed until the Digital Divide is closed and no family, small business, farmer, or child is left without access to the opportunities many of us already enjoy.”
The winners of PR News’ Nonprofit Awards will be announced during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., at the National Press Club on Friday, March 15. For more details, head to the organization’s website at https://www.prnewsonline.com/go/2019-csr-nonprofit-awards-luncheon/.
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About Connected Nation: Our mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
Connected Nation works with consumers, local community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. For more information, please visit: connectednation.org and follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.